Where: Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, Australia.
When: Saturday at 10 a.m., Swedish time.
TV/radio: TV6, Viaplay and P4/Radiosporten.
+ The teams’ path to the bronze match
Sweden: South Africa 2–1, Italy 5–0, Argentina 2–0, USA (Round of 16) 0–0 (5–4 on penalties), Japan (Quarterfinal) 2–1, Spain (Semifinal) 1–2.
Australia: Ireland 1–0, Nigeria 2–3, Canada 4–0, Denmark (round of 16) 2–0, France (quarter-final) 0–0 (7–6 on penalties), England (semi-final) 1–3.
+ Yellow-green wall awaits
Host nation Australia has already made it to the World Cup just by making it to the medal matches. The gold chance disappeared with the semi-final loss against England, but expect a packed Brisbane Stadium to continue shouting their “Matildas” towards a historic bronze.
In the past, Australia’s women have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup as the best.
+ Swedish bronze secured
It is already a fact that at least two Swedes will be able to celebrate a WC bronze. Australia is led by national team captain Tony Gustavsson and assistant Jens Fjellström.
— There are two tactically interested and talented coaches. They have found perhaps the best way to play with this team and are very good. In the last year, they have got it together, says Sweden’s assistant confederation captain Magnus Wikman.
+ Australia by far the last
The countries met as recently as November, in Melbourne, and then it was a clear Australian victory with 4–0. But unlike that time, the Swedish players have now had many weeks to adapt to the time difference, and that matters, says midfielder Elin Rubensson.
— I remember that I wasn’t quite in the rhythm of the time when we played that match, it feels like the decisions took a little long while they played really nice football, it went quickly.
+ The Olympic dream lives on
In the past, the three best European teams in the WC have also qualified for the Olympics. It would have meant that Sweden misses the games in Paris next summer because Spain and England meet in the World Cup final and France is directly qualified. But the qualification rules have been changed, and instead the women’s new Nations League functions as Olympic qualification.
+ Are the reserves aired?
Sweden has had the same starting eleven in all matches of real importance in the World Cup. In the bronze medal match, confederation captain Peter Gerhardsson could conceivably give some of those who have had less playing time the chance. Striker Rebecka Blomqvist, for example, has scored three goals in three games, despite the fact that she has mostly had to make do with subs. But Gerhardsson does not intend to allocate playing time based on any perspective of justice.
— There is no thought that we should make any changes so that someone else can play a little more. We will play with the absolute best team on Saturday. Everyone, and especially me, will demand that, says Gerhardsson.
+ The injury situation
Sweden had all 23 players available on Friday. Australia is still missing defender Alanna Kennedy, who suffered a concussion in the quarter-final against France.
Sweden, possible eleven (4–3–3): Zecira Musovic – Nathalie Björn, Amanda Ilestedt, Magdalena Eriksson, Jonna Andersson – Filippa Angeldahl, Kosovare Asllani, Elin Rubensson – Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Stina Blackstenius, Fridolina Rolfö.
Other troupe: Jennifer Falk (mv), Tove Enblom (mv), Anna Sandberg, Linda Sembrant, Stina Lennartsson, Hanna Bennison, Rebecka Blomqvist, Lina Hurtig, Sofia Jakobsson, Madelen Janogy, Olivia Schough, Caroline Seger.
Union captain: Peter Gerhardsson.
Australia, possible eleven (4–4–2): Mackenzie Arnold – Ellie Carpenter, Clare Hunt, Claire Polkinghorne, Steph Catley – Hayley Raso, Katrina Gorry, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord – Mary Fowler, Sam Kerr.
Other squad: Lydia Williams (mv), Teagan Micah (mv), Courtney Nevin, Aivi Luik, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Alex Chidiac, Emily van Egmond, Tameka Yallop, Kyah Simon, Charlotte Grant, Alanna Kennedy.
Confederation captain: Tony Gustavsson.